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Popular noodles brand has lead in it! Presence of toxin admitted during SC hearing - Times Now

The SC judge asked the Nestle counsel why should he eat noodles with any lead content when it was argued that the content of highly toxic lead was within 'permissible' limits.&nbsp | &nbspPhoto Credit:&nbspBCCL

New Delhi: The long standing debate about food safety was again visited on Thursday as the apex court opened up a hearing about the same. In a major setback to Nestle, the company admitted to the presence of lead in its popular FMCG product of popular noodles. The Supreme Court on Thursday was given this admittance by the lawyers of the company.

The apex court hearing is a clear indication that the Government vs Nestle debate has again ignited after the safety of the immensely popular noodles was questioned. The Supreme Court has revived action suit against Nestle initiated by NCDRC for lead content in the popular noodles brand.

Earlier in 2017, a huge stash of tonnes of the product was destroyed because it failed to pass the health safety norms. Moreover, the government has moved a class action against Nestle seeking damages of Rs 640 crore for not being in compliance with food safety norms for a product that is consumed by millions. However, it was argued that the lead content was within permissible limits.

The SC judge asked the Nestle counsel why should he eat noodles with any lead content when it was argued that the content of highly toxic lead was within 'permissible' limits. The hearing has once again opened a long-standing debate about the safety of the food products that are being fed to millions of children and adults across the nation.

Nestlé India had challenged two interim orders of National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) before the Hon’ble Supreme Court in 2015. As per directions of Hon’ble Supreme Court, samples were sent to Central Food Technological Research Institute (CFTRI) and the analysis results showed that samples were compliant for Lead and other relevant parameters.

The appeal filed by Nestlé India against the two interim orders passed by National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC) came up for hearing today. As per the lawyers who appeared for Nestle, Hon’ble Supreme court in view of reports received from CFTRI, has agreed with Nestlé’s contention and has set aside both the interim orders passed by NCDRC which were challenged by Nestle.

The Supreme Court has also directed that the reports received from CFTRI will be the basis for proceedings before NCDRC. Full details will be known only after receipt of the order by the Company.

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